Anand held by Dmitry

Khanty Mansiysk: Taking a practical decision, Viswanathan Anand let Russia’s Dmitry Andreikin off the hook as he settled for a draw to maintain his full-point lead in the Candidates chess tournament here.

It turned out to be an exciting day for Anand who had things running for him once again. He benefited from results on other boards to maintain his lead with just two rounds to come in the tournament.

Armenian Levon Aronian failed to break the ice against Russian Vladimir Kramnik and drew while Azeri Shakhriyar Mamedyarov’s wild opening choice also ended up giving him just a half point against Sergey Karjakin of Russia.

The other game of the day ended decisively in favour of Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria who avenged his earlier loss in the tournament against Peter Svidler of Russia.

Anand on 7.5 points continued to be ahead of Levon Aronian who is on 6.5, a half point clear of Karjakin and Mamedyarov. (agencies)